asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that thousands of acres of land are flooded in County Mayo during periods of heavy rainfall; and whether any moneys will be made available from EEC funds for the relief of such flooding following this country's entry into the Community.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Flooding.
123.
Contributions will be available from EEC funds, subject to certain conditions, towards the cost of approved projects designed to improve the structural efficiency of agricultural production in member states. In this context consideration will be given to the possibility of securing aid for drainage projects.
Would the Minister not agree that, if we wish to get aid towards drainage projects from the EEC next year, we would need to submit the projects fairly soon, and could he indicate if planning of such projects is at an advanced stage in his Department or has it commenced?
Yes, a number of such projects, which could possibly qualify for this type of assistance, are in the course of preparation in the Department at present. It is also worth saying that other bodies themselves can also promote applications of this kind. They should be processed, of course, through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.